All Rights Reserved This Book Or Any of Its Parts Is Not to Be Distributed, Copied, Recorded Or Forwarded Without Express Permission from the Author

Jessica Ufuoma Avid traveler & Travel Blogger

I'm Ufuoma, a travel blogger who lives and works in Toronto, Canada. I love traveling, exploring new cultures and sharing my adventures online. Thanks to my travel tips, hacks and advice, I have helped lots of people reach their travel goals.

After traveling to over 40 countries, I've collected some tips and hacks along the way. I created this book to share them with you. These things make travel possible for me and I'm confident they will do the same for you. Nothing good comes easy but with access to information, smart work and a willingness to learn, the world is your oyster. Enjoy my creation.

Introduction The secret to booking the best flight deals Top travel websites and apps for planning a trip What airlines and travel companies won't tell you Financial tips for aspiring travelers Tips and hacks for traveling on a budget Important details every first time traveler should know How to travel for free How to book the best accommodations 20 mistakes to avoid when traveling Safety tips for travelers

How I ventured into the world of travel

Five years ago, I did a crazy thing. I left my family and friends in Nigeria, quit a fairly-good paying job and ventured abroad for a Master's Degree program in International Business. It was not my first time in Canada, but it was my first time building a new life from scratch. Many days were tough – adjusting to a new culture, new people and landscapes is never easy. Coupled with the added responsibilities of taking a Postgraduate program, it was a big shoe to fill. During my studies, I stumbled on something that completely altered the course of my life. I stumbled on travel. Yes, I say stumble because travel was never a part of the grand plans I had for my life but a hike up to Machu Picchu convinced me it was what I needed to be doing.

I remember that trip to Machu Picchu so vividly. I, alongside four other total strangers kicked off our hike to the mountain peak. It's called the Inca trail and most people never make it up there. But I was going to make it, right? And yes I did. No small feat at all. Getting to the top of the mountain was the most rewarding experience ever. That day, I saw life through a different lens – one that was vastly different from the one I had grown up learning. That day, I made a promise to myself to continue to travel the world and discover parts of myself I didn't know existed. To continue to travel the world and learn, unlearn, relearn.

So, I did just that. I took one more flight. And then another. And then another. And before I knew it, I had traveled to over 40 countries and 105 cities. I've met people, many of which I may never see again, and my world has become incredibly large – bigger than I could ever have imagined if I had stayed back home and lived in comfort and security. I want you to feel the magic of travel too.

40 countries, you said? You must be very wealthy or have a rich sponsor or a trust fund. Wait. "Who's paying for these flights?" "How have you done it?"

These are only a few of the many questions I get asked all the time. I'd like to give you relief and let you know there's nothing special about what I am doing. I wish I could tell you I had a secret wand that once activated, transports me to different parts of the world. But I don't.

What I do have though, is 100 travel hacks and tips I have collected over the course of my travels which I am sure will put you on the right path to seeing more of the world. Whether you want to go on your dream vacation or make travel a part of your lifestyle.

This book is for everyone who wants to travel Consider this a book that will help you travel more and give you the wealth of information you need to conquer the world and explore new territories and landscapes.

You will find all my best tips, tricks, advice and information that I have gathered over the past five years of constant traveling.

Travel isn't perfect - but one thing I know for sure is this, it is a worthy investment of your time and resources.

A I R P O R T T R A N S P O R T A T I O N Booking.com (Use the airport taxi feature) Gettransfer.com Aeroporttaxi.com Taxi2airport.com

H O N E S T R E V I E W S Tripadvisor.com Lonelyplanet.com Trustpilot.com

T R A V E L D E A L S Bookit.com Secretflying.com jacksflightclub.com

F L I G H T S

Skyscanner.com Momondo.com Google flights

A C C O M M O D A T I O N

Booking.com VRBO.com AirBnB.com HotelTonight.com Hostelworld.com Hotels.com Courchsurfing.com

T O U R S / E X C U R S I O N S

Viator.com Withlocals.com Getyourguide.com Eatwith.com Airbnb Experiences

How to book the best flight deals

Momondo.com You can find the cheapest flights on this site and compare with other sites. Skyscanner.com This is the website I swear by. I especially love the 'EVERYWHERE' feature. It often leads to good flight deals. Kayak.com I love using this site to set price alerts. You can do the same on skyscanner.com as well.

Bookit.com This is a great website for booking all- inclusive deals (flights and accommodation).

More times than not, the flight cost is usually the most expensive part of the travel budget so I will focus first on this. Many people don't know where to go for affordable flight tickets or where to even begin. Don't worry, I will help you out.

The key to booking great flight tickets is three things: Flexibility, Timing and Knowing where to book from. I'll break it down for you.

The more flexible you are with your travel plans, the better your chances of scoring an affordable ticket within your budget.

1. Use Skyscanner's 'Everywhere feature' If you are flexible with your travel date and travel destination, then you have a greater advantage. Here's an example using Skyscanner.com's EVERYWHERE feature. This will pull up the best prices for the cheapest months of the year.

In the world of travel, there is something called Peak Season and Low Season. Peak season means more people are visiting the country and so, everything is more expensive. Low season means people typically visit the country less so cost reduces drastically. For example, I went to Costa Rica in September during low season and hotels were half the price.

3. Knowing when to book Is there any such thing as the best time to book a flight ticket? Maybe, maybe not. In the world of flight bookings, nothing is ever guaranteed. However, in my experience, buying a ticket six weeks in advance has been the most cost effective for me. You do not want to buy it too close to your departure date as most likely, the airlines would have increased the prices as the flight gets full. You also do not want to book too far in advance as you may miss out on competitive rate. Two months to six weeks is usually a sweet spot.

4. Booking your tickets on a weekday I find that I get some of my best ticket prices when I book on a weekday vs a weekend. I guess it makes sense because the demand is lower on a weekday as many people are busy with school and work and usually check for flight tickets on the weekend. I once saw the price of a trip to Thailand drop by $200 because I booked on a Tuesday vs when I checked the weekend before. It never hurts to try.

5. Checking for flights on mobile vs. desktop. I have seen situations where booking a flight on my mobile phone was cheaper than desktop, and vice versa. Make sure to check both before making a purchase.

6. Browsing in incognito window. This is one of the age-old travel myths. I say myth because it hasn’t been fully confirmed yet but I do this sometimes because it doesn't hurt to try. Browsing in incognito means browsing privately so that airlines are unable to track your search history. Many people say that when you search too long for a flight ticket, it shows you are really in need of it and this pushes the price up.

7. Buying two one-way tickets.

Sometimes, booking two one-way tickets are usually cheaper than booking a round-trip ticket.

8. Checking seat availability to know whether flights are in high demand

A good way to find out if flight prices will increase or not is by checking the seat map of a flight. Act like you are about to book a ticket and go to seat selection, if most of the seats are taken, chances are the flight price will continue to increase. If there are many available seats on the flight, prices may drop. It's the law of demand and supply and it works.

All rights reserved © TheUfuoma More flight hacks 9. The Skiplagged Method Skiplagged is a crazy travel concept where you book a flight with a layover with the intention of not catching the remaining part of your trip. You book a ticket through the place you actually want to go and then get off there. This can save you a ton of money but proceed with caution. For example, if you are going to Bangkok, Thailand but you find a cheaper ticket to Tokyo, Japan that has a layover in Bangkok, you book it and then don’t catch the last leg of your flight to Tokyo. This cannot be done for round trip tickets because once you miss a leg of your flight, that totally invalidates the rest of your tickets. Head over to Skiplagged.com to learn more about this crazy phenomenon that sometimes work.

10. Compare flight prices Don't just buy the first flight you see. Make sure to compare flight prices to see which one is the most affordable one. Sometimes the most affordable one isn't always the best one (crazy layovers) but it's always good to know your options. Apart from comparing prices using websites like Skyscanner and Kayak, use the website ITA Software by Google for an even more comprehensive comparison.

Here are some key things to think about BEFORE booking a flight

11. Check if you need a visa Don't book a flight before being double sure about whether or not you need a visa. If you have to call up the consulate, do so.

12. Check your passport validity Some countries wouldn't let you in if you have less than 3-6 months validity on your passport. I suggest setting a reminder on your phone two months before this window.

13. Check luggage allowance

Sometimes a flight looks affordable and like a great deal until you check the luggage allowance and other add-ons and the cost slowly adds up. You want to be sure you've got it covered. Before you book your flight

Here are some key things to think about BEFORE booking a flight

14. Confirm one last time it is the best deal Just before you hit book, be sure it is the best deal you can get for the same conditions elsewhere. 15. Check the weather conditions

Most times, weather is out of our control but it is important to at least be cognizant of what the weather is in the city you intend visiting.

16. Read the fine prints

No one likes reading the terms and conditions but it is important to do so in this case. What's the cancellation policy? Are there any hidden charges? Is the ticket refundable? These are important questions. Things to note about airlines and flight bookings

24 hr-risk free 17 cancellation Most airlines offer a 24-hr risk free cancellation. This means you can cancel a ticket within 24 hours and get fully refunded.

18 Price Guarantees Check the fine prints but some airlines have price guarantees. If you book a flight and find it cheaper on a third-party site, you may be eligible for a refund of the difference.

19 Hotel Compensation You can get a free hotel stay if you have a long layover, granted it is the same airline of the connecting flight. Just ask.

Ask for upgrades 20 You may sometimes be eligible for free upgrades on a flight that is not fully booked. Ask a customer service officer for options. This helps if you are already a frequent flyer.

All the ways you can travel smart

When it comes to traveling, doing it in a smart and efficient way can help save you money and make your resources work for you.In this section, I share some tips to think about if you want to travel smart.

21. Racking up airline miles If you notice you constantly fly a particular airline, or you anticipate that you would, based on the city you live in (For example, living in Atlanta means you will most likely fly Delta Airlines), it makes sense to start collecting miles right away. Depending on the airline, you may be able to score free/discounted flight tickets or hotel stays.

22. Building points with a credit card Another great and excellent way to travel further is by using a travel credit card. Instead of spending your money using your debit card and getting no benefits, a good travel credit card may do you more good. Some good travel credit cards will give you a big signup bonus that can get you a flight somewhere. AMEX and Chase have great benefits. All rights reserved © TheUfuoma Traveling smart

23. Getting cashback on your online purchases Get some money back from your online travel bookings by using Rakuten.com.

24. Buying tickets when seats go on sale Just like a lot of people shop for clothes during major sales periods like Black Friday and The Holiday season, you can also put some money aside to buy tickets or book accommodation during those periods. Major airlines do seat sales or provide a promo code that can be redeemed. This is a smart way to save on your travel costs. All rights reserved © TheUfuoma Traveling smart

25. Research your destination

A lot of the time, the reason people lose money or incur more cost on a trip than usual is because they fail to do some research. Researching gives you a leg up and lets you in what what to expect and how much to spend. Sites like TripAdvisor.com can help.

26. Travel with friends and family Sometimes a great way to travel smart is by finding like-minded people to go with. This could be your family and friends or a group trip. When you travel with others, you can split cost on accommodation, transportation, etc and that gives you more room in your budget. I know some people don't have anyone to travel with at the moment but there are several group trips available these days. For ladies, you can find travel buddies at tourlina.com.

27. Packing light The more experienced I get with traveling, the more I see the importance of packing/traveling light. Granted there are times this is impossible but when you can, aim to pack light (A carry on or a backpack). This saves you lots of baggage cost and saves you time spent waiting at the carousel for our bag. It's just a really great way to travel smart.

28. Get a refillable bottle A refillable bottle is not only good for the environment, it is also good for your pocket. Empty your bottle while you go through security and fill it up later. This will help you stay hydrated on your trip and also save money on buying bottled water. It's a smart idea and win-win for all.

29. Keep scanned copies of travel documents in your email Don't be stranded! Make sure to have all your travel documents scanned and sent to your email.

There's an app for everything. Get familiar with these apps.

PackPoint App This app curates a comprehensive and customized list of what to pack on your trip. Tripit.com This is both an app and a website. It collects all your booking information in one spot. Flights, accommodation, tours, everything! Accuweather We all know sometimes the built in weather apps on our phones aren't very accurate. Accuweather to the rescue.

Google Translate This is great for when language becomes a barrier. Always download an offline version.

There's an app for everything. Get familiar with these apps.

My TSA This app is amazing as it shows you the wait times at security checkpoints in major airports.

Hopper Want a website that tells you whether to buy a ticket now or wait to buy it later? This is the one.

TripAdvisor One of the most useful websites or apps to have, this platform will help aid some travel decisions thanks to user reviews.

Financial tips for aspiring travelers

All rights reserved © TheUfuoma Financial tips for aspiring travelers Perhaps one of the most frequently asked questions is, how can I fund my trips? I don't have a lot of money; how can I make travel happen for me? I am glad you asked. Travel is not necessarily expensive, but it isn't cheap either. Finding ways to travel within your means and maximize your funds is a great place to start. Here are some of my top financial tips and hacks you can adopt.

Savings tips

30. Open a new savings account that is dedicated solely to your travels When you put all your savings in one spot, it can sometimes be confusing what should be used for what. A savings account just for your travels not only indicates travel as a priority but helps you know exactly how much you can afford to spend on a trip. You can then pay for your trip based on what you have available, without breaking the bank.

Extra tip: Ask your banking advisor for the highest generating interest account or one with the lowest fees. If you are a student, you may qualify for a no-fees savings account.

31. Make travel a line-item in your budget.

You know how you set aside a monthly budget for rent, car payments, food, hydro bills? Do the same for travel. Whether it is $50 or $500 that you set aside in your budget every month, do it. Treat it like a non-negotiable bill and put the fund into your travel savings account.

Savings tips continued

32. Have a solid travel plan.

Work out how much you need for a trip. For example, if you live in New York and want to take a trip to Mexico, you may fly Jet Blue in March for $250 roundtrip and then spend 4 days in Cancun. Your hotel may cost you $100 per night and you may be lucky to go with a friend such that you can split the cost halfway.

This means you will be paying $200 for accommodation in Cancun. Your spending budget per day may be $70 and for four days, that comes up to $280. Your total budget for a trip to Cancun now becomes $730. Let's round it up to $800 for miscellaneous expenses.

Work out how much time you have left to save. If you have a year to save, this comes down to $66 dollars per month and $16 per week. Not an uphill battle if you work it out this way.

Earning more money to travel

33. Have a solid travel plan.

Work out how much time you have left to save. If you have a year to save, this comes down to $66 dollars per month and $16 per week. Not an uphill battle if you work it out this way.

Earning more money to travel

I'd be crazy to think everyone can afford to save. It can get difficult to save when you are barely trying to make ends meet. However, I do think we can all do some saving based on our financial situation.

If you earn $1000 a month, you can afford to put $50 away – that is only about 5% of your income. If you earn $500, you can afford to put at least $25 away. Again, only 5% of your income. At every given point in time, saving at least 5% of your income is recommended. However, the 5% may not be enough to get you a plane ticket. The reality of the matter is this; you may need to earn more money.

Perhaps this is the time to start exploring some viable money-generating options?

34. Ask for a raise or get a better paying job You may already have a day job, maybe it is a 9-5 or a contract position but you can explore ways to earn more money that can be put towards travel by asking for a raise, asking for a promotion or switching jobs altogether to earn more. Is it time to ask for a raise, or perhaps time to start looking elsewhere for more competitive pay? Don't forget that the extra money you earn can go into your travel savings account otherwise, you are back to square one.

35.) Getting a second job. A raise may not be realistic for you for several reasons – perhaps you are still new to your company and haven’t quite proven yourself yet, or there isn't enough wiggle room in your company's budget, or other reasons. Getting a second job is always an option. It could be freelance work, consulting jobs, etc. Thankfully we now have the internet where there is a big demand for skills like Digital Marketing, Graphic Design, Website Building, Blogging, etc. It may be time to start leveraging your skills. Websites like fiverr.com, freelancer.com can help you earn extra cash.

36.) Generate multiple income sources. I firmly believe that we shouldn’t be relying on only one source of income – it's dangerous and risky to do so. You can have a corporate job and be a photographer on the weekend. You can have a business and drive Lyft on the side. There's no shame in getting your paper up because if you don't, no one else will help you do it and for the financial independence you gain, it would be worth it. Start exploring ways you can earn multiple income. What are you skilled at? What do your friends come to you for? Do you want to start a blog or YouTube? Do you want to start a consultancy service? Everyone has more than one skill so there is no need to put yourself in a box.

37.) Investing your money. You may also need to start exploring ways to invest your money such that it brings you a greater reward. If you are a newbie investor, make sure to seek professional advice so you don't go into it blindly. There are lots of apps and information on the internet to help you invest – whether in stock or your RSP account.

Cutting back on expenses

Amongst us are devils dressed up as unnecessary expenses that eat deep into our finances in the form of unused subscriptions, ridiculous phone bills, data services we do not need, eating out, etc.

38.) Review your bank statements and cut back. Sometimes, a great way to cut back on expenses is to have a thorough review of your bank statement and identify ways to cut back on your expenses. Do you really need to pay the extra $10 for an unlimited data plan when you are mostly home or at the office where there is free wifi? How about cable? You watch Netflix anyway – do you really need it? $10 may seem like a small amount bu5t i.f )yo uG puet thtatt minonegy a awa ys foer 1c2o monntdhs, that's $1j2o0 tbha.t could be added to your trip to Mexico. A raise may not be realistic for you for several reasons – perhaps you are still new to your company and haven’t 3q9uit.e) pr oTvenh yoeur seelfn yevt, oer tlhoerep isne't enough wiggle room in your company's budget, or other reasons. Getting ma seectonhd joobd is always an option. It could be freelance Our debit and credit cards can be so tempting. The work, consulting jobs, etc. Thankfully we now have the envelope method is a concept that brings back the good internet where there is a big demand for skills like Digital ol' cash in a world where everything is digitized, which Marketing, Graphic Design, Website Building, Blogging, also happens to be one of the most indebted periods of etc. It may be time to start leveraging your skills. all time. Trying the envelope method means you Websites like fiverr.com, freelancer.com can help you withdraw the cash you need that week and leave your earn extra cash. cards at home. No cheating with Apple Pay either.

Cutting back on expenses

40.) A no-spend week

Ever heard of a no-spend week before? It seemed like a ridiculous and impossible concept until I successful tried it out and realized it was entirely possible. A no-spend week is exactly what it implies – no spending for a week. Of course, something would have to have been put in place before it happens. For example, you must have meal-prepped the week before, paid for transportation (maybe bought fuel or have a monthly train pass). But it is indeed possible not to spend money all week. This is a great way to cut back on cost. Put the money you have w5ou.ld) h aGve sepetnt iintno ygou ra tra sveel sacviongns adccount.

Thjiso isb a g.reat way to cut back on expenses. A raise may not be realistic for you for several reasons – perhaps you are still new to your company and haven’t quite proven yourself yet, or there isn't enough wiggle room in your company's budget, or other reasons. Getting Don't forget to put all a second job is always an option. It could be freelance the money you have work, consulting jobs, etc. Thankfully we now have the saved into your travel internet where there is a big demand for skills like Digital savings account. Marketing, Graphic Design, Website Building, Blogging, etc. It may be time to start leveraging your skills. Websites like fiverr.com, freelancer.com can help you earn extra cash.

Tips every first-time traveler should know

All rights reserved © TheUfuoma First time traveler? As a first time traveler, it might be confusing on what to do first, where to start from, and so on. Information online may be overwhelming and it can be scary going to a new country for the first time. Here's an easy guide:

Step 1 Sort out your travel budget. Figure out how much you have to spend. If you need to save, work out how much you should put Step 2 away monthly. Based on your budget, figure out a country that fits. Your budget = Flights + Accommodation + Food Step 3 + Tours Research your destination (Google and TripAdvisor work!). Do you need a visa? When is the best Step 4 time to go? Etc. Book the flight. Go on the trip. It's not as complicated as you think. Start small and build momentum from there.

41. Research like crazy One of your biggest amours as a first- time traveler is research. Doing your googles and TripAdvisors will help you not be more knowledgeable about travel but give you the confidence you need to take your first trip.

42. Ask lots of questions

There's no shame in asking questions when you get confused. Facebook is a great place to get some help. Just type in your destination and there will most likely be a group already set up. A Thailand Travel Tips group on Facebook really helped me with my trip.

43. More faith, less fear A lot about traveling is faith over fear. You may have heard about feeling the fear and doing it anyway. This also applies to traveling for the first time.

How to book the best accommodations

Sorting out accommodation on your travels can be tricky. It's hard to commit to one when you don't really know what to expect. Should you do AirBnB or Hotels? Let me help you out here.

44. Use booking.com's filter option

Absolutely want a pool in your hotel? Can't spend more than $50 per night on your trip? Not settling for less than a 4-star? Use the filter option on booking.com to get a good match.

45. Read reviews There are a ton of accommodation booking sites - 46. Compare make sure to read reviews on the prices property you are interested across all the sites. As usual, don't just settle for the first price you come across. Compare prices across board.

Booking.com If there's any accommodation website you need to know about, its booking.com. It's features such as the free cancellation window, points building, vast selection and easy-to-use interface makes it superior to the others. Airbnb.com By now, we aren't strangers to the concept of Airbnb which allows private home owners to rent their properties online. Make sure to read some reviews first before booking. You should also read the cancellation policies carefully. For the best accommodations on Airbnb, look out for Airbnb Plus. Use my code https://www.airbnb.ca/c/jessicao3130 for $40 off your first booking. VRBO.com Probably the lesser known of the group but not to be overlooked. VRBO is like Airbnb but for cottage, studio, villa type housing.

How to travel on a budget

Many times, people always wonder what to budget for their trip. It may all seem so confusing, especially as a first time traveler.

Travel budgets will vary based on so many different factors and where you are with your finances. I believe everyone can travel within their budget.

When I was a student, I traveled even when I didn’t have a lot of money. I took buses and snubbed airplanes. I used Airbnbs vs. luxury hotels.

Person A has $1000 to go to Cuba, person 2 has $5000 to go to Cuba. Flights, accommodation and everything included. Can we make this work for the both of them? Of course. Let me show you how.

Person A Person B Student, limited Employed, budget Management level

Budget $1000 Budget $5000

Ticket from NY to Business class ticket Havana via JetBlue from NY to Havana via $200 (On a budget, so JetBlue $2000 travels in low season)

Five days of Five days of accommodation in accommodation in casa at $50 per night luxury hotel at $300 $250 per night $1500

Activities and tours Activities and tours $200 (Shared $500 (Private tours activities and free and driver) walking tours)

47. Off season travel If you want to travel on a budget, get comfortable with traveling off-season when prices are cheaper. Peak periods like summer are always an expensive time to travel.

48. Be an avid planner

The more money you have, the more spontaneity you can afford. Budget travel requires lots of planning and detailing to reduce cost.

49. Fly low-cost airlines

For now, you may only be able to afford low cost airlines like Ryan Air (Europe), Flair (Canada), Spirit Airlines (USA). It's okay - embrace them.

50. Travel light

To avoid baggage fees and other extra charges, travel with only the things you need on your trip. Carry only the essentials with you.

51. Find cheaper or free accommodation A website called couchsurfing.com allows people to host you in their homes for free. That can give you free accommodation. Be sure to read reviews. Also, Airbnb, hostels and shared accommodation can reduce cost.

52. Split cost with friends One of the beauties of traveling in a group or with friends is that, you can split cost and this is great for if you are on a tight budget.

53. Cook your own meals Nobody wants to cook on vacation, am I right? However, this can save you a huge amount of money on your travels. Most Airbnbs come with kitchens.

54. Use Public Transportation

Or walk if it is a short distance. Taxis and Uber rides add up on your travels - the use of buses and trains can help reduce costs considerably. Make sure to download Google maps so you can navigate your way around.

55. Find free attractions to visit The cost of tours and activities can sometimes add up. Research free things to do in the city you are visiting. Some museums are free, there are walking tours on offer, etc.

56. Find Package deals Sometimes, booking flights and accommodation together can end up being cheaper. Use websites like Expedia.com or Bookit.com to find all-inclusive packages.

57. Go to less touristy spots

It's an unwritten rule - the more the tourists, the greater the prices. It's the law of demand and supply. You may find better luck going to less tourist locations or smaller towns.

58. Negotiate prices

Haggling is very popular in many parts of the world and there is something called tourist fees. Being friends with a local can help you avoid those however, learn to negotiate prices (within reason) to stay on budget.

59. Taking an overnight train There are times when you travel that you have the option to travel overnight. Instead of spending precious daylight hours traveling, you can save it for the night time and save on a night's accommodation at the same time.

60. Use your student discounts If you're a student, you may be eligible to some travel discounts - find them out and use them. Go to StudentUniverse.com to find cheap student flights, hotels and travel deals.

61. Book in advance

Most people who leave travel bookings to the very last minute end up overpaying for things. Aim at booking in advance and you are more likely to get a good deal.

How to travel for free

Is it possible to travel for free? What options are available? Let's get into it.

Lots of people wouldn't mind the prospect of traveling for free. It's oftentimes a long shot but it's not impossible.

62. Going the digital route

Many people earn free travel after they have established themselves as a thought-leader or online authority. A speaker may get invited to a gig and have the entire travel cost taken care of. This isn't free per se because a service is being rendered but it's one more cost cleared off the plate. Do you have expertise in a certain area? Is it time to start building an online presence?

63. Use your English Language skill

English is in high demand all over the world and certain companies like Diverbo will pay you to move over to a new country to teach English. Check out Diverbo.com

64. Volunteer abroad

Fancy volunteering abroad? Programs like Workaway and HelpX can connect you with travelers around the world who are looking for volunteer help.

Lots of people wouldn't mind the prospect of traveling for free. It's oftentimes a long shot but it's not impossible.

65. Using your air miles

This unfortunately only applies to already frequent travelers. However, using your air miles accumulated over years or months can score you a free or highly discounted trip.

66. Take advantage of work trips

Some people are lucky to have jobs that involve work travels. If you do, take advantage by adding an extra day or two to the work trip to give you time to explore the new city. If work travels aren't a part of your current role, why don't you pitch it to your manager? You never know until you try.

67. Pitch travel companies

Have a unique sellable skill? Maybe you are a travel blogger who has an audience or you are a photographer who takes stellar photos. You can pitch companies and make a case for how you can add value to them in exchange for a free trip.

1 . ) T R A V E L I N S U R A N C E Never travel without insurance. Head over to WorldNomads.com to get a cheap quote. 2 . ) A U N I V E R S A L A D A P T E R Different countries have different charging ports. A universal charger helps you navigate countries with ease. 3 . ) A P O W E R B A N K

Staying connected when you travel is crucial. The Anker power bank is a good quality one to have. 4 . ) P A C K I N G C U B E S

This will simplify your packing and ensure you are well organized for your trip. 5 . ) A W A T E R B O T T L E To stay hydrated and only ensure you drink clean and safe water on your travels.

6 . ) A L U G G A G E S C A L E

Avoid the embarrassment of packing and repacking at the airport by getting a luggage scale that you can use at home.

7 . ) I N S E C T R E P E L L E N T

Avoid insect marks and burns when you spend time outdoors. Insect repellents help protect your skin from harm caused by insect feasts.

1 How can I travel without having a lot of money?

By budgeting and planning ahead. There are lots of ways to travel on a budget and lower cost.

2 When traveling, what are the costs I should be aware of?

By budgeting and planning ahead. There are lots of ways to travel on a budget and lower cost. See page for more details.

3 I feel like I never have enough vacation days. What do I do?

Use up your vacation days but spread them out and combine with statutory holidays. 4-5 days in a country is usually enough.

4 How do I know the best time to visit a new country?

Check besttimetogo.com to see some options.

5 What options do I have as a student?

Study abroad programs are great to explore. This can give you an opportunity to experience new countries. Check out goabroad.com.

6 I'm confused on where to travel to. How do I pick a destination? Destinations are based on a number of factors - proximity, cost, etc. Research one that's in your budget. Also, don't underestimate Social Media as a source of inspiration.

Top mistakes to avoid when traveling

68.) Not informing your bank about your upcoming trip leading to blocked cards. 69.) Not allowing enough time between connecting flights - thereby missing your flight. 70.) Forgetting to get your visas for the trip (This includes transit visas in some cases.) 71.) Packing liquids over 100ml in your carry-on luggage. 72.) Not turning off roaming on your cell phone plan leading to exorbitant charges. 73.) Spelling your name wrong on the travel booking. Name changes are quite expensive. 74.) Exchanging all your money at the airport. Too expensive. 75.) Racking up bank fees on ATM withdrawals. Always withdraw what you need at once. 76.) Booking your trip too early. Booking within two months to six weeks is a good window. 77.) Packing way too much into your itinerary. Always find ways to incorporate rest.

78.) Being too fearful and letting it show. Even if you feel afraid, don't wear it on your sleeves. 79.) Packing expensive jewellery. You can leave them at home. 80.) Over-reliance on guidebooks. Sometimes, locals can give the best tips. Listen to them. 81.) Running out of cash. Make sure to add extra for miscellaneous to your budget and always have cash on hand. 82.) Overpacking. 83.) Arriving at the wrong airport. Make sure to research the airport closest to the city you are visiting or you will spend more money on transportation. 84.) Not downloading an offline map. 85.) Not researching the destination. 86.) Having unrealistic expectations of a place. 87.) Leaving the airport with the wrong bag (side eye at black luggage holders.) Get colorful luggage or a distinct luggage tag to avoid confusion

Safety tips for travelers

88. Check travel advisories Not to be overly afraid but take necessary precautions when you travel. I recommend checking https://travel.gc.ca/travelling/advisorie s as a pointer on where is safe to travel to. Safety tips for travelers

89. Always stay connected One of the best travel safety tips you will hear is to ensure that you are always connected to the internet, or at least have cell phone reception. That way, you are able to use your maps, or even ask for help if needed.

PS: I always put my google map on when in a taxi ride to be sure the taxi driver is going in the right direction.

90. Always have a valid ID on

Don't go on tours and excursions everyday with your passport but always have a valid ID on you (like a driver's license or National Identity card).

91. Make sure to fill out emergency contact info

Many times, airlines will make it optional to fill out emergency contact info on a form. Always make sure to fill that part out. Try your best not to skip it.

92. Buy a TSA approved lock for your luggage

This can be found everywhere, even on Amazon. This purchase will help ensure your luggage is not broken into and TSA security can access your bags if they need to do a search. Safety tips for travelers 93. Use the Find my Friends feature

The Find my Friends feature on smartphones is a great way to share your location with friends and family so they know exactly where you are during a trip. Use this with only those you trust.

94. Don't share in real- time on Social Media

Social Media has become a great way to share our everyday lives with others but that also comes with the risk of sharing sensitive information that may put us in danger. It is important never to share your real time location, especially on a public account. You can share it after you have left the place. Be safe out there.

95. Be aware of your clothing

Some countries (especially religious countries) have specific dress codes that must be aligned with, otherwise you might run into issues. Make sure to do your research before packing for a trip.

96. Learn some self-defense

I'm not saying you should go black-belt on everyone but it's worth it to learn some basic self-defense. This is a skill that will come in handy even in your daily life. For ladies, you can also get a peppered spray. Chapter Ten

Fueling your wanderlust

One often underestimated parts of traveling is the mindset required to actually go places. Sharing hacks and tips are great but being in your traveler's mindset is also important. Here are some ways you can adopt the right mindset for travel.

97. Follow travel accounts for inspiration

Sometimes we need a reminder of what's possible and what's out there. Following travel accounts, drawing inspiration from them and learning new tips and tricks will help you. Some good accounts to follow are CNTravel, TravelNoire, DameTravel, etc. Fuel your wanderlust

98. Insert bits and pieces of travel into your everyday life

Found a beautiful postcard of a dream destination? Put it on your work desk. It's helpful to collect travel- related items as it trains your mind and helps you stay inspired and focused on your goal.

99. Find interest groups related to travel For every city you live in, there's most likely going to be an interest group for you. Find one related to travel and join the community. A good place to look is the MEETUP app. Search for the travel category and find groups to join. This will be a big source of motivation for you. Fuel your wanderlust

100. Get into travel books or media If you're into reading books, find books about wanderlust or travel storytelling and read them. They are sure to spark the wanderlust in you. A good example is Eat Pray Love - a book that inspired millions to go to Bali, Indonesia.

BONUS: Tour your own city

The concept of traveling locally is being more and more embraced and for good reason - it's cheap, it's easy and there's so much you can see in your own backyard. Don't knock off touring your city - not only do you learn more about the place you live in, it can also give you the momentum you need for bigger trips to come. Thank you for reading!

I hope this book has given you the information you need to kickstart your travel journey, get closer to your travel dreams or both. Information is power - so use this well. You can always reference it whenever you need you need useful info on travel. Here's wishing you a life full of adventures, new cultures and beautiful experiences. If you'd like to get in touch with me, you can email me on [email protected], I'd love to hear from you.